Pizzeria Libretto
3011 Dundas St W
Inspired by the food, culture, and culinary values of Italy – his parents’ home, Rocco Agostino opened Pizzeria Libretto on Ossington Avenue in 2008. To bring authentic Neapolitan pizza to Toronto, Rocco sought to create a casual, chef-driven restaurant focused on food made with great ingredients. Running a restaurant as both chef and owner can be challenging, but it was something that Rocco was highly motivated to do. For him, the rewards that came with the position were worth the hard work and responsibility; freedom, creativity, and the chance to connect with customers through food. With five locations throughout Toronto, including the Junction, a neighbourhood Agostino has lived in for the past ten years, it’s safe to say Pizzeria Libretto has been a grand success.
Pizzeria Libretto was one of Toronto’s first restaurants to serve VPN-certified pizza. VPN stands for Verace Pizza Napoletana, or True Neapolitan Pizza, and represents a commitment to honouring the values of pizza’s birthplace with high-quality seasonal ingredients, simplicity, and exemplary service. All of this is cooked in an 850°C brick oven to ensure a puffy, slightly crispy crust outside and a warm gooey center – yum! Chef Rocco works hard to preserve the harmonious balance between the centuries-old traditions of Italy and the modernity of the city he calls home. Pizzeria Libretto’s menu includes traditional favourites, like Marinara and Margherita with Prosciutto and Arugula. However, Rocco also innovates, bringing a creative, forward-thinking approach to well-known favourites. Pizzeria Libretto’s weekly pizza features are known for their bold, creative takes on the classic dish. Recent examples include a Roasted Squash Pizza with buttercup squash, stracciatella, and fried sage.
The clue to how to eat it is in the name. Libretto means booklet or program, which you find folded up at the theatre or opera. This refers to how Agostino and the crew at Pizzeria Libretto think their pizza is enjoyed in half so you can enjoy the dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings.
One thing that surprises many is that Roco can still often be found in the kitchen, improving his recipes and pizzas. This is why after almost 15 years in business, opening multiple locations, and serving millions of pizzas, Pizzeria Libretto can remain at the top of its pie-making game. Firmly rooted in the community, they participate in charitable initiatives – such as donating proceeds from the weekly pizza feature to FoodShare Toronto. This charity provides schools and communities with education and access to healthy food. When he’s not in the kitchen, Rocco enjoys spending time with his family. His children maintain a busy schedule of their own; running, playing baseball, and rock climbing. He is also married to another Junction business owner, Kara from KSA Fitness, but you’ll be hearing more about her next time!
We’re happy to have Pizzeria Libretto and their amazing pizzas in the Junction. On their website, you can find information about Junction-specific specials – such as Wine Wednesdays and Family Feast Fridays. Also, check out Pizzeria Libretto’s Instagram to stay updated on the weekly pizza feature.
Written By: James Watson
Member of the Month
Our Member of the Month features will shine a light on the businesses within the Junction and allow customers to get to know their neighbours who run the shops in our community. If you are a Junction BIA business interested in sharing your story with us and being featured by The Junction BIA, contact Carol Jolly, Executive Director.
